Five questions with Woodinville junior wrestler Ryan Christensen, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 4A at 182 pounds after taking second at 160 as a sophomore.

Q: Got a sports hero?

A: “John Smith. He wrestled at Oklahoma State and won the Olympics. I like him because we kind of have like-body styles, so I can use some of his techniques. Also, Tim Tebow is an inspiration, because I’m Christian and so is he.”

Q: What’s your most memorable athletic moment?

A: “When I won my first national championship (of five). It was about six years ago, when I was 10. It was USA Wrestling Kids Freestyle and Greco nationals in Orem, Utah.”

Q: Did falling just short of a state championship change your approach this year?

A: “The kid (Chandler Rogers of Mead) I ended up with in the finals that beat me was a good friend of mine and I’ve wrestled him quite a bit over the years. He’s a tough kid. Losing to him kind of showed me that you always have room to improve, and that I couldn’t be complacent.”

Q: What’s Woodinville wrestling known for?

A: “Just being good kids and good people as well as good wrestlers, and having a good impact on the community. Not being a sports team that has a bunch of jocks and bullies, but one that is welcoming, and kids have fun being on it.”

Q: Who’s recruiting you?

A: “I’ve talked to a few coaches, but no offers. The schools who are interested are Cornell, Stanford, Michigan, Cal Poly, Oregon State, Iowa State and Duke. I have a 3.8 GPA.”